Search - Maria Callas, Gaetano Donizetti, Gianandrea Gavazzeni :: Donizetti: Anna Bolena (Teatro alla Scala, 1957)

After the premiere of his Anna Bolena at Milan on December 26, 1830, Donizetti wrote home, "Success, triumph, delirium - it seemed the public has gone mad. Everyone says they cannot recall a triumph so complete." The role of the heroine was sung then by Giuditta Pasta, and few sopranos would attempt to take on the role after her. In 1957, however, Maria Callas brought the Anna Bolena back to life with her astonishing performance in the title role. Callas had risen to fame rapidly beginning in the mid-1940s with her unparalleled versatility and technical brilliance. Her amazing performance in I Puritani in 1949 was followed by Norma, the role which, perhaps above all others, she became most closely associated. Despite the risk for the Scala to present the little-known Anna Bolena in 1957, the production was a huge success: seven performances were given that season, and this recording was made at the premiere. Callas' performance demonstrated her talent not only as an exquisite singer, but also is a superb tragic actress. This combination was what made it one of the best opera performances of all time.